Mass. Senator Seeks More Input on OTMR Bill

Massachusetts legislators “need to hear from more parties” on a bill that would require one-touch, make ready (OTMR) in the state, said Senate Chair Michael Barrett (D) at a Joint Telecommunications Committee hearing livestreamed Thursday. GoNetSpeed, a competitive telecom provider, urged the committee to support S-2133. But no other groups testified for or against the bill. The bill would speed network deployment, said GoNetSpeed Manager-Government Affairs Heidi Mahoney: State and federal laws give access to poles, but their owners "often caused unwarranted delays and obstacles.” More than 30 other states follow OTMR, including all other New England states, said GoNetSpeed Chief Legal Officer Jamie Hoare. Having multiple trucks come separately to make poles ready unnecessarily adds weeks and months into the process, he said. Noting the lack of opponents at the hearing, Barrett asked GoNetSpeed what concerns are commonly raised with OTMR. Owners often raise safety concerns, but the process is safe and owners get input in the process, said Hoare: Another common concern is that costs will be shifted to ratepayers, but there has not been evidence of that. Also, the chair asked if GoNetSpeed had asked the Department of Telecommunications and Cable to require OTMR. Hoare said the DTC has an active proceeding, but it’s unclear when it will conclude.